Here’s a list of Metro Vancouver municipalities hosting free, family-friendly Canucks viewing parties
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Fan frenzy is ramping up as the Vancouver Canucks head into Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers starting Wednesday.
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Vancouver is still on the fence about hosting a playoff viewing party, but several other municipalities are going ahead with their own events.
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If you don’t have cable or want to watch the playoff action with other like-minded fans, here’s a list of places hosting free viewing parties in Metro Vancouver (plus a couple others still mulling it over).
Delta
More than 2,000 people show up at this family-friendly outdoor watch party at the Social Heart plaza in North Delta, which is held for every Canucks playoff game this spring.
When Delta started airing games at the plaza during Round 1, it was the only Metro Vancouver municipality to do so, at about $10,000 a pop.
Council recognized there was strong appetite for people to gather and cheer on the Canucks given the nine-year playoff drought.
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It also launched the event as an alternative to the raucous, but unsanctioned, party that erupts at Scott Road and 72nd Avenue after a win.
Should the Canucks advance to the third round, it could hold a second watch party, this time in South Delta.
Only lawn chairs and blankets are allowed at the Social Heart plaza viewing party. Parking is available at North Delta Recreation Centre and Richardson elementary.
Where: 11405-11427 84 Ave., Delta
Cost: Free
Port Coquitlam
The City of Port Coquitlam is hosting Canucks viewing parties at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre during the Canucks’ playoff run.
Watch the game for free on the 55-square-foot projection screen while munching on game day snacks from the concession stand. Hotdog, small popcorn, and a soft drink will be on sale for $9 or nachos and beer for adults for $14.50.
Where: 2150 Wilson Avenue, Port Coquitlam
Cost: Free
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Burnaby
The City of Burnaby didn’t host a viewing party for the first round against the Preds, but it’s getting into the action for Round 2 against the Oilers.
Fans are invited to the Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre on game nights, where the game will be broadcast on large screens on the second floor.
The viewing area opens half an hour before puck drop.
Snacks and drinks available at on-site café. Parking is available, but limited.
Where: 7789 18th Street, Burnaby
Cost: Free
The Amazing Brentwood (Burnaby)
The giant screen at the outdoor plaza of The Amazing Brentwood will be playing upcoming Canucks playoff games.
It’s not a viewing party, per se, but it’s good setup — with seats, plenty of space, and bars and restaurants surrounding the plaza.
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Where: Brentwood Plaza, 4567 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby
Cost: Free
New Westminster
New West is looking into holding viewing parties starting Game 2 on Friday after council gave the green light for such gatherings at a council meeting Monday.
“This would be such a nice, positive thing to bring people into our downtown core,” said Coun. Dan Fontaine.
The proposed viewing party could be held at Anvil Centre in downtown New West near the waterfront with supporting events at nearby Hyack Square.
Vancouver
Vancouver could be hopping on the bandwagon after all.
On Monday, the City of Vancouver said it is aware of the high interest for public viewing spots to watch the Canucks and teased it could “have more to share in the coming week.”
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Mayor Ken Sim praised Vancouver fans at keeping the energy up, adding: “Having the playoffs in Vancouver is important on so many levels and we are so proud of everyone putting in the effort to make this a fun, family-friendly experience for everyone. Let’s keep it up!”
Sim had been wary of holding public viewing events during Round 1 after such parties during the Stanley Cup Final between Vancouver and Boston in 2011 and between Vancouver and New York in 1994 turned into riots.
chchan@postmedia.com
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